6 June 2025
Principal
Dear Parents and Carers,
A warm welcome to our first edition of the winter season!
As the cold weather hits, so do the winter bugs. It’s often hard to know whether to send your child to school or let them stay home to recover, especially when that means an adult cancelling work. However, you should know that the school is being severely impacted by the seasonal arrival of flu and bad colds.
In accordance with advice from NSW Health, parents and carers are reminded:
“If you are sick with influenza, stay at home and avoid close contact with other people. Keep sick children away from school and other activities. To avoid infecting others, stay at home for at least 24 hours after your fever has resolved and until you are feeling well. This is especially important if you visit people at higher risk of severe illness, including pregnant women (we have a pregnant staff member at school), infants, older people and people in hospital, residential aged or disability care.”
Happy Birthday to us!
Our school celebrated its 74th anniversary last week. We officially opened on 26 May 1951.
Our next big birthday celebration will be our 75th anniversary in 2026. I am sure we will make it a very special community occasion!
Parent and Carer Uniform Survey Results
I am pleased to share with you the key findings from our recent Uniform Survey. Your valuable input is crucial as we strive to foster a positive and consistent school environment. We received 217 responses, and the insights gathered will greatly assist us in reviewing and refining our school uniform policy.
Here's a summary of the key results:
- Importance of Students Wearing Correct School Uniform Every Day
The survey clearly indicates a strong consensus among parents and carers regarding the importance of students wearing the correct school uniform. A significant majority of respondents consider it 'Very important' or 'Important'.
- 122 respondents (56.2%) believe it is 'Very important'.
- 80 respondents (36.9%) believe it is 'Important'.
- Only a small minority consider it 'Unimportant' or 'Very unimportant'.
This highlights a shared understanding within our community about the value of uniform adherence.
- How Often Does Your Child Wear the Correct School Uniform?
It is reassuring to see a high level of uniform compliance reported by parents.
- 139 respondents (64.1%) stated their child 'Always' wears the correct uniform.
- 69 respondents (31.8%) reported 'Most of the time'.
- This indicates that for the vast majority of our students, uniform wearing is a consistent practice.
- Agreement: "A school uniform promotes a sense of belonging and pride in our school."
There is overwhelming agreement that the school uniform fosters a sense of belonging and pride.
- 146 respondents (67.3%) 'Strongly agree'.
- 64 respondents (29.5%) 'Agree'.
- This strong positive sentiment reinforces the perceived benefits of the uniform in building school spirit and identity.
- How Well Does the School Communicate Uniform Expectations?
Feedback on communication effectiveness is generally positive, though there is room for improvement.
- 108 respondents (49.8%) feel communication is 'Well' handled.
- 70 respondents (32.3%) feel it is 'Very well' handled.
- However, 37 respondents (17.1%) indicated 'Poorly', suggesting we need to review and enhance our communication strategies.
- Thoughts on Implementing Positive Rewards for Consistent Uniform Wear
The idea of positive reinforcement for uniform compliance is largely supported by the community.
- 105 respondents (48.4%) 'Strongly support' positive rewards.
- 75 respondents (34.6%) 'Support' them.
- This indicates a preference for encouraging compliance through positive means.
- Feelings about Potential Consequences for Uniform Non-Compliance
While there is support for consequences, there is also a notable portion of the community who oppose them.
- 92 respondents (42.4%) 'Support' consequences.
- 65 respondents (29.9%) 'Strongly support' them.
- Conversely, 36 respondents (16.6%) 'Oppose' and 24 respondents (11.1%) 'Strongly oppose' consequences. This suggests a need for careful consideration and clear communication if consequences are to be implemented.
- Specific Uniform Elements for Stricter Enforcement
Parents and carers highlighted several specific uniform elements they believe require stricter enforcement.
The most frequently mentioned areas include:
- Hair tied up (especially for health reasons, e.g., lice prevention): This was a very prominent concern, with many parents mentioning "hair tied up if longer than shoulder length (boys and girls)" and "this is for health reasons."
- No makeup: A significant number of responses indicated a desire for stricter enforcement regarding makeup.
- Minimal jewellery: Parents expressed a preference for minimal or no jewellery.
- No painted or artificial nails: This was another commonly cited area for stricter enforcement.
- Black shoes: Ensuring students wear appropriate black school shoes was frequently mentioned.
- School hats: Compliance with wearing school hats was also a key concern.
- School jumpers: Adherence to wearing only school-approved jumpers was noted.
- Correct socks: There were specific mentions of ensuring correct sock colours (e.g., red for girls in winter, white in summer, grey for boys).
- Correct school shorts: Ensuring the correct school shorts are worn was also highlighted.
Summary and Next Steps
Overall, the survey results affirm that our school community largely values the uniform and its role in promoting belonging and pride. There is strong support for consistent uniform wearing and a general openness to positive reinforcement.
While there is support for consequences, we acknowledge the differing views and will approach this with careful consideration.
The feedback on specific uniform elements, particularly regarding hair, makeup, jewellery, and footwear, provides clear direction for areas where parents feel stricter enforcement is needed.
We will be reviewing all feedback to develop a comprehensive plan. This will include:
- Clarifying and reinforcing uniform expectations: Especially in the areas highlighted by the survey.
- Exploring positive reward systems: To encourage consistent compliance.
- Reviewing communication strategies: To ensure uniform expectations are clearly understood by all.
- Considering the implementation of minor, age-appropriate consequences: With a focus on education and support, while acknowledging community sentiment.
Thank you once again for your participation and commitment to making Avalon Public School a fantastic learning environment for all our students. Your input is invaluable as we work together to uphold our school values and maintain high standards.
Garden Club
Congratulations to Fiona and Sure who presented at a Professional Development Day at Kimbriki last Friday. They are leading the way in this unique education space - we are lucky to have them.
Kindergarten 2026
Enrolments are now open for Kindergarten 2026 for families in our school intake zone. Once enrolled, you will be placed on our database so that we may invite you to participate in our Kindergarten transition held in Term 4.
Please note: invitations to participate in our transition program will only be issued to students who are actually enrolled at Avalon Public School.
Invitations will be issued in September, so we recommend that you enrol as soon as possible. Please pop into the office to collect an enrolment form and return it to us at your earliest convenience. Alternatively, you may apply online via our website.
AI and school promotions
It’s hard to ignore the rapid rise of AI platforms and the incredible potential they offer in the workplace (whilst also being mindful of security and privacy considerations). As an educator interested in technology, I have been exploring the possibilities offered by such platforms as Google Gemini, Notebook LM, Claude, Sora, and of course ChatGPT.
Google has recently updated their Gemini AI platform to include Veo 3. This allows users to create studio quality 8 second video clips with sound! In just a few short moments, I was able to create 3 short clips to promote our school. Featured below, they are very rudimentary and far from perfect (subtitles in one full of errors), but the potential is huge. I could also comment on the potential impact on the workplace and especially implications for the future of education, but, for now, I hope you enjoy these three short videos.
Stay warm and have a great first week of winter!
Andy Rankin
Principal
Debating Success for Avalon Public School
Our debating teams have kicked off the Premier’s Debating Challenge with confidence, skill, and two exciting wins!
In our first round, The Avalon Arguers took on Elanora’s Rebuttal Rockstars, debating the topic: "That every class in primary school should adopt a dog or a cat." Arguing the negative, our team presented strong points about cost, allergies, and the responsibility of animal care. Congratulations to Brooks, Khaleesi, Avy and Ruby for their thoughtful and persuasive arguments that led to a well-deserved win!
Next up, The Avalon Rebuttal Raiders faced off against Elanora’s Tactical Talkers, tackling the topic: "That parents should never have to pay for school activities." Arguing the affirmative, our team delivered compelling arguments about fairness, accessibility, and ensuring all students have equal opportunities. A huge congratulations to Millie, Lucy, Dash and Leo for securing our second victory!
A special shoutout to Brody, who did an outstanding job as chairperson for both debates, showing leadership and confidence.
Thank you to Elanora Public School for making the trip and bringing such strong teams. We loved the challenge and can’t wait for the next round!
We also extend a big thank you to our wonderful audience for their support and encouragement throughout the debates. A special thanks to Mr Rankin, Mrs Howarth, and Mrs Lovett for coming along to support our students, it meant a lot to the teams to have you there!
Avalon Public P&C Meeting Summary – Term 2
Thank you to everyone who attended the recent P&C meeting on Monday evening. It was fantastic to see strong support from the school community, especially from families in 4KP, 3KM, and 2GS—those classes have earned ice block rewards!
Here’s a brief recap of what was discussed:
🎉 Fundraising & Events Update
- Colour Run: A massive success—raising over $93,000! Huge thanks to Bec, Georgina, and all our amazing volunteers. Donated prizes will go to Bear Cottage.
- Mother’s Day Morning Tea: A beautiful event raising $2,373, with heartfelt thanks to Tash, Holly, the team of dads, and our generous local donors Freshwater Farms, Candle Kiosk and The Palms
- Other fundraising wins:
- 2nd hand uniform stall: $1,250
- Easter raffle: $4,635
- Mufti day (for Band): $813
- Lydia Hicks’ artwork raffle: $300
- Lego Hub Yr3-6 - is now up and running and proving very popular with students.
Upcoming events needing parent volunteers:
Trivia Night: Saturday 9 August at Bar Elvina. Save the Date!!
Get ready for a fun-filled evening of laughs, questions, and community spirit! The Avalon Public P&C Trivia Night is locked in for Saturday 9 August and promises to be a night to remember.
Thanks to the generosity of Andy Emerson at Bar Elvina, a professional trivia host has been secured, and much of the event planning is already underway. Now we need YOU to help bring the night to life!
👏 We’re looking for volunteers to:
- Organise and collect prizes for winners (local business donations, vouchers, etc.)
- Help with setup/pack down and decorations
- Coordinate a raffle or fundraising component (optional but encouraged!)
- Be on-hand for general support on the night
If you’re keen to help—or know someone who is—please reach out to the P&C team or email
📧 presidentavalonpandc@gmail.com
It’s a fantastic chance to meet other parents, support the school, and have a laugh. Dress-ups and table themes are highly encouraged—start planning your costumes now!
Other events for term 3:
- Father’s Day event: Tentatively Friday 5 September – possibly at the beach with Lovat Café.
- School Musical ("Avalon in Wonderland"): Parent help needed in costume design, props, lighting, etc. Performances on 17, 18, 24 & 25 September.
🧠 Parent Education Seminars
- Cyber Safety Evening: Term 3 in-person event hosted by experts from ySafe. More details to come soon.
- Happy Families Program: Parents now have access to online content & webinars. Upcoming webinar dates:
- June 18: Carrots & Sticks
- August 20: Anxiety & Worry
- November 5: Raising Respectful Kids
- Year 6 Transition Program: Exploring a coaching/mentoring program with Tommy Herschell (Find Ya Feet).
🎓 Principal’s Update (Mr Rankin)
- Focus on student growth and engagement through the School Excellence Plan.
- Goals include boosting Year 5 NAPLAN results and improving student attendance.
- ABLE maths mentoring with Barrenjoey High is underway and going well.
- Avalon is trialling subject acceleration for high-potential students.
- Congratulations to our Year 5/6 debating team on their first win!
- The school is reimagining the traditional expo—August 21 will be a fun open afternoon with a picnic, library book donations, and classroom visits.
- Book Week parade through Avalon will be on Tuesday 19 August – parents and the community are invited to line the streets!
- Planning is starting for Avalon’s 75th Anniversary in 2026, including opening a time capsule from 1951! Great ideas already flowing—watch this space.
💰 Treasurer’s Report
- The P&C has raised $55,000 this financial year—well ahead of budget.
- $40,000 will go towards new iPads for the school.
- Goal: Maintain a $250,000 contingency fund.
- Plans are in place to increase profitability of OOSH and the canteen.
📝 General Business
- Secretary Update: Natalie Reeves appointed Secretary following Jess Boomer’s resignation.
- Exec Roles: Nominations now open for all key roles including Treasurer and Band Committee President. Interested? Email: presidentavalonpandc@gmail.com
- A wonderful Farewell to OOSH’s Karen McGill was held last Friday to thank her for her 24years of service at OOSH.
Next P&C Meeting:
📅 Monday 18 August (Week 5, Term 3)
All are welcome
Thank you for your continued support,
Avalon P&C Committee
Garden Club
Well it's been a busy couple of weeks, continuing with classes being soil detectives. With our lunchtime groups we have been sowing varieties of pea seeds and recently we started making white cabbage moth decoys. By dotting these amongst the brassicas we are hoping to fend off any upcoming invasion, when those caterpillars hatch they can decimate crops overnight. There is a lot of 'How to Make' information out there on the web. We used recycled plastic Milk containers that were on hand and some sticks that I had salvaged from an old light shade, super easy and fun for the Students to do. We'll keep you updated as to whether or not they have been a success.
Last Friday, Sam Bateson, Sue and myself attended a Professional Development day at Kimbriki. Garden Club was asked to present a little snap detailing our successes and challenges that we have encountered over the years. I'm still in awe when I look back at the before and after photos of the Gardens what we have established and transformed the school into, it's been a huge team effort, thankyou. We love going to Kimbriki, there is always such a collaborative sharing of information, Kimbriki is a huge asset to have of the Northern Beaches for schools and for the private resident, tap into them, they are here for the community.
Another presenter on the day was Dr Judy Friedlander. She has recently released a book titled 'The Bee Squad'. Dr Friedlander is part of a group called 'Planting Seeds', see this link Planting Seeds . They are doing incredible work amongst schools and communities, on a mission to boost biodiversity, 'Urban regeneration for Pollinators Plants and People'. She was incredibly inspiring, they connect to other platforms such as 'B&B Highway' and 'Citizen Science'. Please take a look.
That's it for now, keep on growing
Fiona and Sue
Garden Club
Canteen News
With the Colder Weather upon us, the Canteen will offer the following Winter Specials:
Rice Paper Rolls (Teriyaki Chicken or Tuna) $6 Monday
Beef Burritos $6 Monday and Wednesday
Butter Chicken with Rice $6 Monday, Thursday and Friday
Coconut Chicken Thai Curry with Rice $6 Wednesday and Thursday
Uniform News
Reminder…We have moved location!
The Uniform Store has moved to:
Room 1, H Block, K-2 Area.
Uniform Store opening hours:
Monday 8am-10am
Thursday 2.30pm-4pm
Orders can be placed online and will be delivered on Mondays and Fridays to your Child’s Classroom.
Any Urgent Uniform requests, (ie Hat replacements), please come to the Canteen.
Strings
Avalon Strings have been progressing beautifully over the term and enjoying their rehearsals profoundly with mexican melts as rewards!
Musicians have three exciting recitals coming up:
Tuesday June 17 Week 8 Pittwater Palms
Tuesday June 24 week 9 Palm Beach Kindy
week 10 school assembly
Opera House students have their preliminary rehearsal at Meadowbank Public on June 26 10am-1:30pm. Three pieces are to be memorised as well as possible for this day so please keep up the regular practice at home.
New students are welcome to join at any stage throughout the year.
Enquiries to Emma Wake 0417455598.
Community
Free online seminar – All about ethics volunteering
Are you interested in learning more about ethics classes at Avalon Primary?
Looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community?
Join an online 1-hour information session to learn how you can make a difference at our school as a volunteer in NSW with Primary Ethics.
What you'll learn:
- see a class in action
- hear first-hand experiences from current volunteers
- hear about the comprehensive free training and support provided
- learn about what's involved in volunteering to teach ethics
The event will be held online on Monday 16th June 12:30-1:30
Interested?
Register at https://events.humanitix.com/empower-young-minds-volunteering-with-primary-ethics,
or contact David Bartolo on 0407 371338 for more information
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